Arlington Transit

Courtesy and Safety

As more people go on Arlington's Car-Free Diet, there are more cyclists, walkers and transit users sharing the street with drivers. Whether you are walking, cycling or driving, it's important for everyone to respect each other's rights and space.

Bus riders use multiple ways of getting around. Maybe you walk to the bus stop to catch the bus and then walk from the bus stop to your final destination. Maybe you use the bike rack on the front of the bus and ride your bike to and from the bus stop.

Regardless of how you get around, it's important for everyone to be a PAL and safely share the streets.

Being a PAL means being:

• Predictable -- travel in a predictable way; don't make sudden, unexpected moves
• Alert -- pay attention to your surroundings and to others
• Lawful -- obey the traffic laws, whether in a car, on a bike, or on foot

Click to enlarge this street scene (PDF, 4.6 MB, Adobe Reader required). It illustrates some useful safety and courtesy tips for walking, cycling and driving. Spanish version (PDF, 3.2 MB, Adobe Reader required).

Safety Tips for Bus Riders

• Wait for the bus in the designated area.  Do not stand on the edge of the curb or in the street while waiting for the bus.
• Never assume the bus operator sees you. On the street, anything from lampposts, newsstands and parked vehicles can cause blind spots and/or obscure the bus driver's view.
• After deboarding, wait for the bus to leave the stop before crossing.  Always use traffic lights and crosswalks.  Do not cross in front of the bus.
• If you have a bike, signal to the driver that you are going to use the bike rack on the front of the bus. When getting off, exit from the front and let the driver know you need to take your bike off the rack. When done, go to the nearest curb and wave to let the driver know you're clear of the bus.
• Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with lights, light-colored clothing and reflective gear.

See below for courtesy tips to use when riding the bus.

Safety Tips for Walkers

• Stand on the sidewalk when waiting to cross the street.
• Begin crossing the street only on the "Walk" signal. Do not begin to cross after the upraised hand signal appears.

• When crossing at an unsignalized intersection, make your intentions clear to drivers through eye contact or hand signals that show you plan to cross. Make sure drivers in all lanes can see you before starting to cross.
• Before crossing the street, look left, right, then left again.
• When sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic.
• Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with lights, light-colored clothing and reflective gear.

Visit WalkArlington for more walking safety tips.

Safety Tips for Cyclists

• Cyclists are safest when they act like and are treated like drivers of vehicles.
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic; use hand signals to communicate your intenions.
• Obey all traffic signals -- bikes are considered vehicles when traveling on the road.
• Use bike lanes, trails and on-street routes when possible.
• Ride at least 5 feet away from parked vehicles.
• Ride on sidewalks ONLY when necessary. Always yield to pedestrians when riding on sidewalks.
• Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with lights, light-colored clothing and reflective gear.
• Wear a helmet. Helmets dramatically reduce the risk of head injuries in a crash.

Visit BikeArlington for more biking safety tips.

Courtesy Tips for Riding the Bus

• Have your exact change, token, or SmarTrip card ready before boarding. This helps keep buses running on schedule.

• Please be courteous.  Senior citizens and peoples with a disability need to sit in the front near the driver.  Please volunteer your seat when someone needs it.
• No eating, drinking, or smoking. Please take newspapers as well as your wallet and cell phone with you when you leave.
• Use headphones when listening to music.
• Items brought on the bus must not block the aisle (i.e., strollers, suitcases, etc.).
• Car batteries, flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are prohibited.
• Do not talk to the bus driver while the bus is in motion.
• Stand behind the white or yellow line at the front of the bus. 
• Do not lean on the doors or stand in the doorway.
• Do not engage in horseplay or rowdy behavior.
• Remain seated until the bus has completely stopped. Use handrails when provided. 
• Parents and caregivers: if you have a stroller, take your child out of the stroller, fold the stroller, and if possible, stow the stroller out of the way.  Hold your child while the bus is in motion.  Young children must be accompanied by an adult. 
• Wheelchairs and other mobility devices must be securely fastened by the operator.
• Service animals are permitted, other animals are prohibited.    

Additional Safety Resources

Street Smart campaign-- Arlington participates in this annual program that emphasizes the education of motorists and pedestrians through mass media.

See Something Say Something campaign -- Arlington also participates in this campaign that encourages people to report anything suspicious they may see while out and about. 

Please help us keep you safe — if you see anything suspicious, please let your bus operator know immediately. Do not confront a threat yourself.  Call 911 if you notice something or someone suspicious at or near a bus stop or Metro station.